International Baccalaureate

Details about the offer

Have you applied to other universities you consider very close, ‘on par’ or even better than oxbridge? (Ivies, Sorbonne, LSE..others for different subjects) N/A

Have you met the offer? grades pending/unknown

Decisions about the application

For what reasons did you apply to Oxbridge?

My answer is rather simple: the course, some student societies, several papers and finally the ambinece of Cambrige itself.

How did you decide between Oxford and Cambridge?

In my case it was simple as both universities propose different approach to the course of Anthropology and Archaeology, and after a thorough analysis I decided that Cambrige course appeals to me better.

Why did you choose this course?

I am interested in different cultures, I enjoy talking with people and asking a lot of questions and I like to spend my time imagining and reading on how it is to live in Siberia or in Mongolia or on Svalbard ;). Therefore, the choice was obvious.

Why did you choose this college/make an open application?

I like to be socially involved and King’s is considered to be active college. During my interview visit, I was enthralled to the people.

Preparation

Did your school/college give you any extra tuition or help prior to your interview or application? no

Do you have any advice for future applicants in terms of preparation?

Well choose the right course, be passionate about it and read a lot (but this is a natural implication of the previous condition).

Interview

Did you have to sit any pre-interview exams (LNAT/BMAT/..)? no

Did you have to submit any written work prior to the interview? no

Did you have to take any exams as part of your interview(s)? yes

We had one hour essay. Don’t worry about it! Questions were great – allowed creativity and analytical approach. I remember only three exam questions:
1) “There is no society, only families and individuals” (Thatcher). Discuss.
2) How would you persuade government to donate on archaeological research? (but I am not sure whether it was literally as quoted)
3) The question asked about love from the perspective of a society and biology.

How was/were in general your interview(s)?

It is really enjoyable experience. The professors are very supportive and there is no need of being worried.

Please comment further on any particular aspects/topics of your interview(s).

Most of the time we tackled anthropology and discussed aspects of leading anthropological fieldwork. I was asked about books I read on my own, which correspond to anthropology course. Majority of questions was based on my personal statement. Therefore, I advise to prepare properly. I also asked my friends to read the statement and ask me questions on it. Interestingly, my friends foresaw majority of questions.

What questions were you asked during your interview(s)?

– What books on social anthropology did I read?
– Rest of the questions referred to my personal statement. There was one which I found especially challenging, the professor asked me about possibilities of leading research in my school.

What did you wear to your interview(s), and why?

Skirt, blouse, sweter

Impressions

What was your general impression of the college that you applied to/any others you visited?

I loved it! All other applicants I met were very interesting to talk to. The atmosphere is very friendly. I even befriended with a person, who was cleaning my room!

Generally, what were the college students like (from what you saw of them)?

Great! I enjoyed their warmth and empathy.

Looking back

If you were to re-live that year of your life again, would you still apply?

Of course

What advice do you have for potential applicants based on your experiences?

1. Be passionate
2. Remember to find a lot of fun in what you are doing!
3. Never take the approach that applying to Oxbridge is your ultimate goal, it should be rather a side-effect of your interest in particular area! (I hope it does not sound boring – well, truth saves us from being kitsch!)

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